U.S. patent number 10,470,590 [Application Number 15/896,681] was granted by the patent office on 2019-11-12 for bracket for product display grid and related methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Retail Space Solutions LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Retail Space Solutions LLC. Invention is credited to Craig A. Fluegge, Eric Pollpeter, Matthew Wills.
United States Patent |
10,470,590 |
Wills , et al. |
November 12, 2019 |
Bracket for product display grid and related methods
Abstract
A product display system comprising an upright structure, a
first rectangular grid comprising a plurality of cross members, a
first bracket coupled to the grid, and a second bracket coupled to
the grid. The first bracket comprising, a first engagement
structure configured to detachably couple to the grid, and a second
engagement structure configured to detachably couple to the upright
structure. The second bracket comprising a first engagement
structure configured to detachably couple to the grid, and a second
engagement structure configured to detachably couple to a second
grid.
Inventors: |
Wills; Matthew (Grafton,
WI), Fluegge; Craig A. (Menomonee Falls, WI), Pollpeter;
Eric (Cedarburg, WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Retail Space Solutions LLC |
Milwaukee |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
Retail Space Solutions LLC
(Milwaukee, WI)
|
Family
ID: |
61231196 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/896,681 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20180228303 A1 |
Aug 16, 2018 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62459315 |
Feb 15, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
96/06 (20130101); A47F 5/0838 (20130101); A47F
5/103 (20130101); A47F 5/13 (20130101); A47F
5/0884 (20130101); A47F 5/083 (20130101); A47B
57/406 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
5/08 (20060101); A47B 57/40 (20060101); A47F
5/10 (20060101); A47F 5/13 (20060101); A47B
96/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;211/106,87.01,106.01,103
;248/250,248,235,220.21,221.11,225.21 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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567804 |
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Nov 1993 |
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EP |
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3042865 |
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Jul 2016 |
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EP |
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66717 |
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Aug 1957 |
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FR |
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2004000073 |
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Dec 2003 |
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WO |
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2015084866 |
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Jun 2015 |
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WO |
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2016129669 |
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Aug 2016 |
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WO |
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2016178610 |
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Nov 2016 |
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WO |
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Other References
European Patent Office, Partial European Search Report issued in
European Patent Application No. 18275020.8, dated Jun. 4, 2018, 9
pp. cited by applicant .
Communication Pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC in corresponding
European Application No. 18275020.8, dated Mar. 20, 2019. cited by
applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Novosad; Jennifer E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Andrus Intellectual Property Law,
LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/459,315, filed Feb. 15, 2017, which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A bracket comprising: a body having a first engagement structure
and a second engagement structure wherein the first engagement
structure is configured to connect to a grid structure and the
second engagement structure is configured to connect to an upright
structure; wherein the body is generally U-shaped having a first
body portion positioned substantially parallel to a second body
portion with the first and second body portions being
interconnected via an intermediate body portion; wherein the first
engagement structure comprises a plurality of substantially
enclosed holes formed in at least one of the first and second body
portions for receiving rod or bar ends of the grid structure;
wherein the second engagement structure comprises at least one
hook-shaped protrusion for engaging a mating slot in the upright
structure and supporting the bracket therefrom, the at least one
hook-shaped protrusion extending from at least one of the first
body portion, the second body portion, and the intermediate body
portion; and wherein the at least one hook-shaped protrusion
comprises two recesses that open in opposite directions and are
vertically aligned with one another.
2. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the first engagement structure is
configured to detachably couple to the grid structure, the second
engagement structure is configured to detachably couple to the
upright structure, and the bracket further comprises a securing
structure configured to increase friction between the first
engagement structure and the grid structure.
3. The bracket of claim 2 wherein the securing structure comprises
a deformable member positioned to be deformed by at least one of
the rod or bar ends in response to the at least one of the rod or
bar ends being disposed within at least one of the substantially
enclosed holes.
4. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising an opening proximate
at least one of the substantially enclosed holes and having a
deformable securing structure disposed therein adapted to increase
friction on at least one of the rod or bar ends disposed within the
at least one of the substantially enclosed holes.
5. The bracket of claim 4 wherein the deformable securing structure
is a plastic or rubber grommet that is aligned to overlap with the
at least one of the substantially enclosed holes proximate the
opening containing the deformable securing structure.
6. The bracket of claim 4 wherein the opening adjoins the at least
one of the substantially enclosed holes, and the deformable
securing structure extends at least partially into the at least one
of the substantially enclosed holes.
7. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the substantially enclosed holes
are formed in each of the first and second body portions, and each
hole on the first body portion is aligned with a corresponding hole
on the second body portion.
8. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the at least one hook-shaped
protrusion extends from only one of the first and second body
portions.
9. The bracket of claim 1 wherein the bracket is symmetrical about
a horizontal centerline thereof.
10. A bracket comprising: a body having an engagement structure and
at least one hook; wherein the engagement structure has at least
one substantially enclosed hole sized to receive a cross member of
a first grid structure; wherein the at least one hook is configured
to connect to at least one of an upright structure and a second
grid structure; and further comprising an opening adjoining the at
least one substantially enclosed hole, the opening having a
deformable securing structure disposed therein, the deformable
securing structure extending at least partially into the at least
one substantially enclosed hole and being adapted to increase
friction on the cross member in response to the cross member being
disposed at least partially within the at least one substantially
enclosed hole.
11. The bracket of claim 10 wherein the engagement structure is
configured to detachably couple to the first grid structure, and
the at least one hook is configured to detachably couple to the
upright structure.
12. The bracket of claim 10 wherein the deformable securing
structure is a plastic or rubber grommet.
13. The bracket of claim 10 wherein the body is generally U-shaped
having a first body portion positioned substantially parallel to a
second body portion with the first and second body portions being
interconnected via an intermediate body portion, with the
engagement structure comprising a plurality of holes, including the
at least one substantially enclosed hole, formed in each of the
first and second body portions and each hole on the first body
portion aligned with a corresponding hole on the second body
portion, and further comprising a plurality of hooks, including the
at least one hook, extending from at least one of the first body
portion, the second body portion, and the intermediate body
portion.
14. The bracket of claim 13 wherein the plurality of hooks extends
from only one of the first and second body portions.
15. The bracket of claim 10 wherein the at least one hook comprises
two recesses that open in opposite directions and are vertically
aligned with one another.
Description
FIELD
This invention relates generally to product displays and, more
particularly, to brackets for mounting grids for supporting product
displays.
BACKGROUND
Product displays, such as merchandisers, are frequently used in
retail environments to display products for sale. These product
displays are frequently supported by wire grids or product display
grids. Example product display grids are described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,769,248 "Product Display Grid System" assigned to DCI Marketing
which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Wire grids are
generally made of metal and are about 18 inches high and 48 inches
wide. The grids are mounted to walls or uprights of a shelving
system. Once the grids are mounted to the uprights, product
displays are mounted to the grid. The grids sometime mounted to the
uprights and/or wall by way of mounting brackets. Traditional
brackets may be knocked off while trying to move the large, heavy
grid into position. Additionally, the right side brackets may be
accidentally placed to the left of the grid or vice versa.
It would be useful to have universal brackets capable of more
firmly engaging grids in order to aid in grid installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a product display assembly
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a front right perspective view of a bracket used in the
assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a front left perspective view of the bracket of FIG.
2A.
FIG. 2C is a back left perspective view of the bracket of FIGS.
2A-2B.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a product display assembly
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3B is a front right perspective view of a bracket used in the
assembly of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a front left perspective view of the bracket of FIG.
3B.
FIG. 3D is a back left perspective view of the bracket of FIGS.
3B-3C.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a product display assembly
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4B is a front right perspective view of a bracket used in the
assembly of FIG. 4A.
Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity
and have not necessarily been drawn to scale or to include all
features, options or attachments. For example, the dimensions
and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures
may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.
Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or
necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not
depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Many variations of grid brackets are discussed herein and even
further are contemplated in view of this disclosure. The brackets
discussed herein are configured, and designed, to couple a grid to
an upright structure, such as a shelving system, post, gondola
and/or wall. The brackets generally comprise one or more first
attachment structures configured to couple to the grid and one or
more second attachment structures configured to couple to the
upright structure.
FIG. 1 illustrates a product display 100 comprising a grid 110
mounted to uprights 102a/102b by brackets 120. The grid 110 is a
metal wire grid comprising a series of cross-members 112 and
vertical members 114. In a preferred embodiment, the grid 110 is a
standard size to fit into most displays. Example standard sizes
include 4 feet by 8 feet and 2 feet by 4 feet rectangles. Other
standard sizes are also considered herein, such as metric sizes. In
alternative embodiments, the grid is a custom size to fit a
particular display.
The cross-members 112 of the grid 110 are cylindrical metal rods.
In alternative embodiments, the cross-members 112 can have
different shapes such as slats, rectangular prisms, triangular
prisms, or fins. These cross members 112 are used to support a
variety of product displays such as hooks, baskets, hangers,
shelves, and/or merchandisers. Example grids and product displays
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248, titled "PRODUCT DISPLAY
GRID SYSTEM", which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
In addition to the cross-members 112, the grid 110 includes one or
more horizontal members 116. The horizontal members 116 add
rigidity to the grid 110 to reduce twisting and/or bending of the
grid 110. In one form, horizontal members 116 are placed at the top
and the bottom of the grid 110. In alternative forms, additional
horizontal members 116 are spaced between the top and bottom. In
still further alternatives, rigidity is alternatively or
additionally provided by diagonal members.
In a preferred form, the horizontal members 116 and brackets 120
are sized such that pushing the brackets 120 on either end of a
horizontal member 116 up flush against the ends of the horizontal
member 116 perfectly spaces the brackets 120 to fit into
corresponding upright structures.
An isolated bracket 120 is shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The bracket 120
includes a first engagement structure 122 and a second engagement
structure 126. The first engagement structure 122 comprises one or
more holes 123 sized to receive the cross-members of a grid. The
bracket 120 is a universal bracket, meaning it is reversible so as
to serve as either a left bracket or a right bracket. To this end,
the bracket is symmetrical about a horizontal centerline so that it
can be flipped about said centerline to change from a right side
configuration to a left side configuration or vice versa.
As best shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, the bracket 120 includes a securing
structure 124 configured to aid in securing the bracket 120 in
place on the grid. In some forms, the securing structure 124 is a
frictional device configured to increase friction between the
bracket 120 and the grid. In the embodiment shown, the frictional
device is a rubber grommet. The grommet is configured to be
deformed when the bracket 120 is placed on a grid. This deformation
increases the pressure with which the securing structure 124
presses against a cross-member of the grid, thus increasing the
friction therebetween. In some forms, a plurality of securing
structures are used.
In alternative forms, a force other than friction can be used to
secure the bracket 120 in place on the grid. For example, one or
more magnets, set screws, or a gear rack and ratchet combination
can be used. In one form, the bracket 120 includes one or more
magnets positioned to hold the bracket against the horizontal
member of the grid so as to be properly spaced as described
above.
The second engagement structure 126 is configured to detachably
couple the bracket 120 to an upright structure, such as a shelving
system, post, gondola and/or wall. In one common form, a shelving
system or gondola comprises uprights having vertically oriented
slots. The second engagement structure 126 includes one or more
protrusions 127 sized to fit into the standard sized slots, and/or
sized to fit into the specific size slots of a corresponding
upright structure. Each protrusion 127 includes a recess 128 on
each end spaced forward from the back, or distal portion, of the
protrusion 127. The recesses 128 receive a portion of the upright
structure at the bottom of the slot such that the rest of the
protrusion 127 hooks over said bottom portion to prevent the
bracket 120 from pulling out. The recesses 128 are on both ends of
the protrusion 127 so that the bracket 120 can be flipped about a
horizontal centerline and still function as described above. This
reversibility makes the bracket 120 a universal bracket. In
alternative embodiments, the recesses 128 fit over cross pieces or
protrusions within the slots in addition to or instead of the
bottom of the slot.
The second engagement structure 126 is located on one side of the
bracket 120 instead of centered. This enables two brackets 120 to
be placed close together, one with the second engagement structure
126 on the right and the other with the second engagement structure
126 on the left, so that their respective second engagement
structures 126 can be inserted into the same slot in an upright
structure, as shown in FIG. 3A. Thus, the brackets 120 can be used
in between adjacent grids.
In alternative embodiments, the second engagement structure 126 is
changed to correspond to different types of upright structures.
Some examples of other engagement structures include the flat back
design shown in FIGS. 3B-3D and the hook design shown in FIGS.
4A-4B. Both of these are described in greater detail below.
In operation, at least two brackets 120 are placed on a grid, one
on the left and one on the right. In a preferred embodiment, four
brackets 120 are used with one at each corner. The brackets 120 are
pressed up against the horizontal members of the grid in order to
properly space them, and the securing member 124 holds the brackets
120 in this properly spaced position. The grid is then lifted and
attached to upright structures by inserting the protrusions 127
into corresponding slots.
FIG. 3A illustrates a product display 300 comprising a variety of
brackets according to various embodiments of the present invention.
The product display 300 includes a plurality of grids 310a-310c
mounted to an upright 340 by brackets 120/320. The top most grid
310a is partially supported by a bracket 120 as described above.
The second engagement structure 126 is inserted into the slot 342
of the upright 340.
The bottom of the top grid 310a and the remaining grids 310b/c are
mounted to the upright by a second embodiment of a universal
mounting bracket 320. A bracket 320 is shown in isolation in FIGS.
3B-3C. The bracket 320 includes a first engagement structure 322 to
detachably couple the bracket 320 to one or more grids 310. The
first engagement structure 322 includes one or more holes 123 for
receiving a cross-member of a first grid 310a as well as one or
more hooks 321 for receiving a cross-member of a second grid 310b.
In the embodiment shown, there is no securing structure included in
the bracket 320 as in the bracket 120, however alternative
embodiments with one or more of the securing structures described
below are considered herein. In an alternative embodiment, the
holes 323 are replaced with downward facing hooks such that the
bracket 320 hangs from the top grid 310a.
The bracket 320 is symmetrical about a vertical centerline. This
symmetry makes the bracket 320 a universal bracket, meaning that it
can be used on both the right side of the grids 310 as well as the
left side. The bracket 320 further includes a flat back 326. The
flat back 326 is configured to rest substantially flush against the
upright 340. In some forms, the back 326 includes securing
structure for attaching to the upright 340. The securing structure
could be holes or slots through which the bracket 320 could be
coupled by bolts, screws, nails, or posts. Alternatively or
additionally, magnets, adhesive, clamps or combinations thereof
could be used to couple the bracket 320 to the upright 340.
In the embodiment shown, no such securing structure is used to
couple the bracket 320 to the upright 340. Instead, the bracket 320
secures the lower grid 310b to the upper grid 310a. The top most
grid 310a of the column is coupled to the upright by use of a
different type of bracket 120.
In operation, brackets 120 are placed on the top corners of the top
grid 310a. Brackets 320 are placed on the bottom corners of the
grid 310a. The brackets 320 are placed such that the bottom 3 cross
members, or however many cross members correspond to the number of
holes 323, are placed in the corresponding holes. In this position,
the bottom half of the brackets 320 extend below the grid 310a. The
grid 310a and brackets 120/320 are then lifted as an assembly and
mounted by inserting the protrusions 127 of the brackets 120 into
the slots 342 of a pair of uprights 340.
A second grid 310b is then prepared by placing brackets 320 at the
bottom corners as was done with the top grid 310a. No brackets
120/320 are placed at the top corners. The grid 310b and brackets
are lifted as an assembly and mounted to the display 300 by placing
the top cross members over the hooks 321 of the brackets 320
coupled to the top grid 310a. This process is then continued
downward with additional grids 310c until the bottom of the column
is reached. The bottom most grid 310c does not have brackets 320
coupled to its bottom corners.
An alternative display 400 is shown in FIG. 4A. As with the display
300, the display 400 utilizes brackets 320 to chain together a
column of grids 410. The brackets in FIG. 4A could differ slightly
than the brackets 320 above in that they could have a different
number of holes or be intended to receive a different number of
grid bars or rods (e.g., only having enough holes 323 for two cross
members (or bars or rods) and enough hooks for two additional
cross-members (bars or rods) as opposed to the three plus three
cross member design above. This is because, as discusses above, the
number of holes and hooks can vary. A minimum number of holes 323
for one cross member and hooks 321 for one cross member are all
that are needed. Additional holes 323 and hooks 321 serve to spread
out the load over more cross members, and therefore are preferable
for longer columns and/or columns intended to support more
weight.
The top two corners of the top grid 410 are supported by brackets
420. The brackets 420 are shown in greater detail in FIG. 4B. The
brackets 420 include a first engagement structure 422 having a
plurality of hooks 421 configured to receive the top cross members
of the grid 410. The brackets 420 further include a second
engagement structure 426 configured to fit over the top of a wall
portion or partition 440 as shown in FIG. 4A.
In operation, the brackets 420 are hung over the top of the
partition 440. The brackets 320 are coupled to the bottom corners
of a grid 410 as in the previous embodiment. The grid 410 and
brackets 320 are then lifted as a unit and mounted on the partition
440 by placing the top cross members of the grid 410 into the hooks
421 of the brackets 420. A series of additional grids 410 can then
be added to the bottom of the brackets 320 to form a column in
substantially the same manner as the grids 310b/c were added to the
display 300 above.
In an alternative form, the brackets 420 include holes instead of
hooks 421. By this change, the brackets 420 are instead coupled to
the grid 410 first and then attached to the partition 440 as an
assembly as in the previous embodiments.
The product display 400 further includes merchandisers 450. The
merchandisers shown are front facing merchandisers having a spring
biased pusher. The merchandisers 450 include attachment structures
452 which comprise hooks configured to hook over the cross members
of the grid 410 to hang the merchandisers there from. Exemplary
merchandisers are described in International Patent Application
PCT/US16/43354, titled "MERCHANDISER AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME",
filed on Jul. 21, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
Alternatively to the rigid attachment structure 452 shown,
merchandisers or other product displays may include adjustable
attachment structures to provide for greater vertical adjustment
through which more efficient vertical pack out can be achieved.
Example adjustable grid mounts are described in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/371,579, titled "ADJUSTABLE GRID MOUNT AND
RELATED METHODS", which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
Elements in the above embodiments have three digit numbers. The
first digit references the embodiment and the last two digits
reference the element. Elements sharing the same last two digits
across multiple embodiments are assumed to share the same
description except where expressly distinguished.
Features of the various embodiments described above can be
interchanged with each other in any combination to create other
embodiments which are contemplated herein. For instance, the
bracket 420 can be altered to include the securing structure 124 of
bracket 120. Additionally, the description of brackets or display
assemblies above enables a person of ordinary skill in the art to
make and use those embodiments. Therefor various methods of making
and using the above-described embodiments are considered herein,
such as a method of display products, a method of assembling a
product display, and/or a method of making a bracket.
This detailed description refers to specific examples in the
drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to
illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to
various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included
within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical,
electrical, and other changes can be made to the example
embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments
described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in
which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject
matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its
elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole,
but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed
description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the
invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of
the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within
the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following
claims.
In addition to the above, it should be understood that several
brackets, display systems, and methods relating to same are
disclosed herein. For example, a bracket is disclosed with a body
having a first engagement structure and a second engagement
structure wherein the first engagement structure is configured to
connect to a first grid structure and the second engagement
structure is configured to connect to an upright structure and/or a
second grid structure. Like the brackets of FIGS. 1A-2C, or the
bracket of FIGS. 3A-D, or the brackets of FIGS. 4A-B. In some
forms, the first engagement structure is configured to detachably
couple to the first grid structure, the second engagement structure
is configured to detachably couple to an upright structure, and the
bracket further comprises a securing structure configured to
increase friction between the first engagement structure and the
first grid structure. The securing structure may comprise a
deformable member positioned to be deformed by the grid structure
when the grid structure is disposed at least partially within the
first engagement structure.
In some forms, the second engagement structure may comprise at
least one of a protrusion used to couple the bracket to the upright
structure, (e.g., such as an insertable hook structure). In other
forms, the second engagement structure may comprise a recess or
hole used to couple the bracket to the upright structure (e.g.,
such as a mating recess for receiving a mating protrusion extending
from the upright itself, or a fastener opening for receiving a
fastener, such as a bolt, screw, rivet, etc.). In still other
forms, the second engagement structure may comprise a fastener used
to couple the bracket to the upright structure (e.g., such as a
bolt, screw, rivet, magnet, adhesive, etc.).
In some of the forms shown above, the first grid structure are
horizontal rod or bar ends extending from a larger grid assembly
and the first engagement structure comprises a plurality of
substantially enclosed holes formed in the bracket for receiving
the rod or bar ends, and the second engagement structure comprises
at least one hook shaped protrusion for engaging a mating slot in
the upright structure.
In some forms, the bracket may further define an opening proximate
at least one of the substantially enclosed holes and having a
deformable securing structure disposed therein to induce friction
on at least one of the rod or bar ends disposed within the first
engagement structure. In a preferred form, the deformable securing
structure is a plastic or rubber grommet that is aligned to overlap
with the substantially enclosed hole proximate the bracket opening
containing the deformable structure. In this way, when the rod or
bar end is inserted into the enclosed hole proximate the bracket
opening containing the deformable structure, the deformable
structure induces friction against the rod or bar end causing the
bracket to be more securely connected to the rod or bar end and
therefore the grid assembly itself. This makes it easier to
position the brackets on the grid assembly in a desired orientation
so that the grid assembly can be connected in the manner desired
(e.g., connecting it to a slot in a gondola upright, connecting it
to the top of an upright wall via a u-shaped bracket, etc.
In some forms, the bracket body is generally U shaped having a
first body portion positioned substantially parallel to a second
body portion with the first and second body portions being
interconnected via an intermediate body portion, with the first
engagement structure comprising a plurality of holes formed in each
of the first and second body portions and each hole on the first
body portion aligned with a corresponding hole on the second body
portion, and the second engagement structure comprising a plurality
of hook shaped protrusions extending from either one of the first
and second body portions and/or from the intermediate body
portion.
In other forms, the bracket may be used to interconnect grid
assemblies or allow one grid assembly to be suspended by the other
rather than be used to suspend the grid assemblies from an upright.
In yet other forms, it may do both (e.g., interconnect the grid
assemblies and connect them to the upright).
In one form, the first grid structure comprises a first set of
horizontal rod or bar ends extending from a first grid assembly and
the second grid structure comprises a second set of horizontal rod
or bar ends extending from a second grid assembly and the first
engagement structure comprises a plurality of substantially
enclosed holes formed in the bracket for receiving the first set of
horizontal rod or bar ends in a lateral direction only, and the
second engagement structure comprises a plurality of open-faced
channels formed in the bracket for receiving the second set of
horizontal rod or bar ends in either the lateral direction or a
direction transverse the lateral direction due to the open-faced
channel arrangement of the second engagement structure so that the
second grid structure can be suspended from the first grid
structure via the bracket.
* * * * *